Those of you that follow this blog know that if there's anything we love as much as letterboxing - it's Vermont. As you probably know, the Wilmington area of southern Vermont was one of the hardest hit from Hurricane Irene several weeks ago, according to FEMA during their recent visit there to access damages. We've all seen the hurricane videos of Vermont on the national news outlets.
After being kept away for several weeks due to the clean up effort of the National Guard and others opening/repaving roads, etc. Sue & I had the opportunity to finally get up there this past weekend. We were not prepared for the damage that we witnessed despite having seen YouTube videos and photos sent to us from one of the permanent residents of the community where our place is located. The devastation is unimaginable - cars washed into enlarged river beds, tarps and clothing hanging from trees tops, aluminum siding and building eaves along the roadside. Sue could just about contain herself as we drove through downtown Wilmington village and the stores there that we've frequented so many times - all closed trying to get their investments up and running again after water damage, blown out windows and empty first floors left after the innocent-looking Deerfield River that meanders through town rose to a raging flood of water leaving destruction in its wake.
Sue & I had the opportunity to hear some of the stories at a Natural History Fair at Hogback Mountain on Saturday. A young foreign exchange student who perished while trapped in her car as the flood waters overcame her vehicle, cows and horses being swept away to their death by the raging waters, whole house being swallowed by a river when the bordering land gave way to erosion. So many heart-breaking stories that touched us deeply - after tears and hugs between us and the locals. We came away with a sense of loss and the need to do something. In the past, we've privately emailed some of you to raise money for a letterboxer that might need some financial help for one reason or another. But this time it's different.
This time, though, given the gravity of the situation, we are appealing to all of you boxers and readers of this blog. If Sue & I have touched your life in some way - whether it be through our friendship, or a conversation at a gathering, or an email where you asked us for help or advice, or attendance at one of our gatherings or even if you've hunted one of our boxes - please consider a donation to this effort. No amount is too small. Many of these people lost everything - homes, jobs, clothes, food, etc.
100% of what you donate goes to the people in need - no administrative costs like other charities. Here's the link for the website that explains how to donate and where your money will go. We've had an ongoing love affair with the Deerfield Valley for many years and hope you will help restore it and its people to the beauty that it was.
Checks can be made out to "Deerfield River Valley Human Web" can be sent to the fund at 14 Castle Hill Road, Wilmington, VT 05363. Please write "Letterboxing Group" in the memo portion of your check. I want them to see that we, as a group, are donating to the area that has held several of our gatherings and has over 70 of our boxes.
When do you get a chance to make such an impact? We know you won't disappoint us - you never do. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity - however much it is.
Thanks.
